Draft Animal Welfare Bill Under Construction

The agriculture, forestry and fisheries minister, Senzeni Zokwana, revealed this in a written reply.

The Inkatha Freedom Party’s Narend Singh had asked what legislative or regulatory amendments were being considered to ensure that the transportation of live animals from South Africa to Mauritius is carried out in a manner consistent with best humane live farm animal transport practices.

The minister added that current legislation governing the protection of animals, namely, the Animal Protection Act of 1962 and the Performing Animals Protection Act of 1935 are outdated and not compatible with international standards.

The Draft Animal Welfare Bill will be released for comment once it is finalised.

“The transporting of live animals will form part of the identified areas that need to be well encompassed in the legislation review process.”

Meanwhile, in another reply, the minister pointed out that DAFF and the health department are developing guidelines for regulating the cultivation and manufacturing of hemp and hemp products.

The health and justice and constitutional development departments have been requested to “consider the necessary legislative amendments to allow for the commercialisation of hemp in South Africa”.